---
title: "Recommended Privacy Tools"
description: A complete list of the privacy tools, services, software, and hardware recommended by the Privacy Guides community.
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---
If you're looking for a specific solution to something, these are the hardware and software tools we recommend in a variety of categories. Our recommended privacy tools are primarily chosen based on security features, with additional emphasis on decentralized and open-source tools. They are applicable to a variety of threat models ranging from protection against global mass surveillance programs and avoiding big tech companies to mitigating attacks, but only you can determine what will work best for your needs.

If you want assistance figuring out the best privacy tools and alternative programs for your needs, start a discussion on our [forum](https://discuss.privacyguides.net)!

For more details about each project, why they were chosen, and additional tips or tricks we recommend, click the "Learn more" link in each section, or click on the recommendation itself to be taken to that specific section of the page. **Want a list of every tool we recommend? Check out our [all tools](./all/index.md) cheatsheet!**

<div class="pg-unstyled-cards">
{{< cards >}}
  {{< card title="Ad-Free Recommendations" icon="badge-check" >}}
  {{< card title="Frequent Updates" icon="badge-check" >}}
  {{< card title="Trusted by Readers" icon="badge-check" >}}
  {{< card title="Complete Editorial Independence" icon="badge-check" >}}
  {{< card title="Open-Source Contributions" icon="badge-check" >}}
  {{< card title="Trusted by Journalists" icon="badge-check" >}}
{{< /cards >}}
</div>

## Service Providers

{{< cards >}}
  {{< card link="services/calendar/" title="Calendar Sync" icon="calendar" >}}
  {{< card link="services/cloud/" title="Cloud Storage" icon="cloud" >}}
  {{< card link="services/data-broker-removals/" title="Data Removal Services" icon="folder-remove" >}}
  {{< card link="services/dns/" title="DNS Servers" icon="globe" >}}
  {{< card link="services/email-aliasing/" title="Email Aliasing Services" icon="at-symbol" >}}
  {{< card link="services/email/" title="Email Providers" icon="inbox" >}}
  {{< card link="services/financial-services/" title="Financial Services" icon="currency-dollar" >}}
  {{< card link="services/messengers/" title="Instant Messengers" icon="chat" >}}
  {{< card link="services/photo-backups/" title="Photo Backups" icon="photograph" >}}
  {{< card link="services/search-engines/" title="Search Engines" icon="search" >}}
  {{< card link="services/vpn/" title="VPN Providers" icon="globe" >}}
{{< /cards >}}

## Software

{{< cards >}}
  {{< card link="software/ai-chat/" title="AI Chat" icon="lightning-bolt" >}}
  {{< card link="software/cryptocurrency/" title="Cryptocurrency" icon="cash" >}}
  {{< card link="software/data-redaction/" title="Data and Metadata Redaction" icon="scissors" >}}
  {{< card link="software/document-collaboration/" title="Document Collaboration" icon="document-text" >}}
  {{< card link="software/encryption/" title="Encryption Software" icon="lock-closed" >}}
  {{< card link="software/file-sharing/" title="File Sharing and Sync" icon="document-download" >}}
  {{< card link="software/frontends/" title="Frontends" icon="desktop-computer" >}}
  {{< card link="software/health-and-wellness/" title="Health and Wellness Apps" icon="heart" >}}
  {{< card link="software/language-tools/" title="Language Tools" icon="translate" >}}
  {{< card link="software/maps/" title="Maps and Navigation Apps" icon="map" >}}
  {{< card link="software/multi-factor-authentication/" title="Multi-Factor Authentication Tools" icon="device-mobile" >}}
  {{< card link="software/news-aggregators/" title="News Aggregators" icon="newspaper" >}}
  {{< card link="software/notebooks/" title="Notebooks" icon="pencil-alt" >}}
  {{< card link="software/office-suites/" title="Office Suites" icon="document" >}}
  {{< card link="software/passwords/" title="Password Managers" icon="key" >}}
  {{< card link="software/pastebins/" title="Pastebins" icon="clipboard" >}}
  {{< card link="software/social-networks/" title="Social Networks" icon="globe-alt" >}}
{{< /cards >}}

## Hardware

{{< cards >}}
  {{< card link="hardware/mobile-phones/" title="Mobile Phones" icon="device-mobile" >}}
  {{< card link="hardware/security-keys/" title="Security Keys" icon="key" >}}
{{< /cards >}}

## Operating Systems

{{< cards >}}
  {{< card link="os/android/" title="Android ROM" icon="device-mobile" >}}
  {{< card link="os/desktop/" title="Desktop OS" icon="desktop-computer" >}}
  {{< card link="os/router-firmware/" title="Router Firmware" icon="wifi" >}}
{{< /cards >}}

## Advanced Tools

> [!TIP]
> These tools may provide utility for certain individuals. They provide functionality which most people do not need to worry about, and often require more in-depth technical knowledge to utilize effectively.

{{< cards >}}
  {{< card link="advanced/alternative-networks/" title="Alternative Networks" icon="link" >}}
  {{< card link="advanced/device-integrity/" title="Device Integrity Verification" icon="shield-check" >}}
{{< /cards >}}
